Desert Pupfish Conservation on Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians (TMDCI) Land

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy is managing a conservation project on Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians land in Mecca, Riverside County, California. Located at the corner of Lincoln Street and 73rd Avenue, the project involves the construction of two new ponds adjacent to the Whitewater Channel. These ponds are designed to provide critical breeding habitat and refugia for the endangered desert pupfish, ensuring sustainable population genetic diversity and creating a backup population for future release into natural watercourses within the Salton Sink basin. Additionally, the ponds will provide high-quality freshwater drinking and feeding resources for local wildlife and migratory birds. The project is classified under NAICS code 237990 and is currently listed as a forecast with a posted date of August 6, 2026. It has been granted categorical exemptions under CEQA Guidelines Class 4 and Class 33 as a minor land alteration and small habitat restoration project. To ensure no adverse environmental impact, the project will incorporate best management practices. The primary point of contact for the initiative is Diana Rosas, Associate Director of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, with additional involvement from The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.